Method and structure for reducing cross-talk in image sensor devices

ABSTRACT

Provided is a method of fabricating an image sensor device. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a front side and a back side, forming a first isolation structure at the front side of the semiconductor substrate, thinning the semiconductor substrate from the back side, and forming a second isolation structure at the back side of the semiconductor substrate. The first and second isolation structures are shifted with respect to each other.

BACKGROUND

In semiconductor technologies, image sensors are used for sensing avolume of exposed light projected towards a semiconductor substrate.Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors (CIS) andcharge-coupled device (CCD) sensors are widely used in variousapplications such as digital still camera applications. These devicesutilize an array of pixels or image sensor elements, includingphotodiodes and transistors, to collect photo energy to convert imagesinto electrical signals. However, image sensor devices suffer from“cross-talk.” That is, light targeted for one image sensor element (andthe electrical signal generated thereby) may spread to neighboring imagesensor elements, which causes cross-talk. Cross-talk will degradespatial resolution, reduce overall optical sensitivity, and result inpoor color separation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isemphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in theindustry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, thedimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased orreduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for fabricating a back-sideilluminated (BSI) image sensor device according to various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2E are cross-sectional views of an BSI image sensor device atvarious stages of fabrication according to the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for fabricating a front-sideilluminated (FSI) image sensor device according to various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C are cross-sectional views of an FSI image sensor device atvarious stages of fabrication according to the method of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an BSIimage sensor device according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides manydifferent embodiments, or examples, for implementing different featuresof the invention. Specific examples of components and arrangements aredescribed below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, ofcourse, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Moreover,the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in thedescription that follows may include embodiments in which the first andsecond features are formed in direct contact, and may also includeembodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing thefirst and second features, such that the first and second features maynot be in direct contact. Various features may be arbitrarily drawn indifferent scales for simplicity and clarity.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method 100 for fabricating aback-side illuminated (BSI) image sensor device with shifted isolationstructures according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS.2A to 2E are cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a BSI imagesensor device 200 at various stages of fabrication according to themethod 100 of FIG. 1. Illustrated in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method300 for fabricating a front-side illuminated (FSI) image sensor devicewith shifted isolation structures according to various aspects of thepresent disclosure. FIGS. 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views of oneembodiment of a FSI image sensor device 400 at various stages offabrication according to the method 300 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5A iscross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment of a BSI image sensordevice 500. The image sensor devices 200, 400, and 500 include an arrayor grid of pixels for sensing and recording an intensity of lightradiation directed towards either a back-side (e.g., BSI image sensordevices 200, 500) or front-side (e.g., FSI image sensor device 400). Theimage sensor devices 200, 400, and 500 may include a charge-coupleddevice (CDD), complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imagesensor (CIS), an active-pixel sensor (APS), and a passive-pixel sensor.The image sensor devices 200, 400, and 500 further includes additionalcircuitry and input/outputs that are provided adjacent to the grid ofpixels for providing an operation environment for the pixels and forsupporting external communication with the pixels. It is understood thatFIGS. 2A-2E, FIGS. 4A-4C, and FIG. 5 have been simplified for a betterunderstanding of the inventive concepts of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the method 100 begins with block 110 in which asemiconductor substrate having a front side and a back side is provided.The method 100 continues with block 120 in which a first isolationstructure is formed in the front side of the semiconductor substrate.The method 100 continues with block 130 in which a light sensing regionis formed adjacent to the first isolation structure. The method 100continues with block 140 in which the semiconductor substrate is thinnedfrom the back side. The method 100 continues with block 160 in which asecond isolation structure is formed in the back side of thesemiconductor substrate. The first and second isolation structures areshifted with respect to each other. The method 100 continues with block170 in which another light sensing region is formed in the back side ofthe semiconductor substrate. The first and second light sensing regionsare shifted with respect to each other.

Referring to FIG. 2A, an BSI image sensor device 200 includes asemiconductor substrate 202 having a front side 204 and a back side 206.In the present embodiment, the substrate 202 is a silicon substratedoped with a P-type dopant such as boron (e.g., P-type substrate). Inanother embodiment, the substrate 202 is a silicon substrate doped withan N-type dopant such as phosphorous (e.g., N-type substrate). In otherembodiments, the substrate 202 includes other elementary semiconductorssuch as germanium and diamond. Alternatively, the substrate 202 mayoptionally include a compound semiconductor and/or an alloysemiconductor. Further, the substrate 202 may include an epitaxial layer(epi layer), may be strained for performance enhancement, and mayinclude a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure. In the presentembodiment, the substrate 202 include pixels 202A and 202B that areoperable to detect a light radiation. It is understood that only twopixels are illustrated for the sake of clarity and that many number ofpixels may be implemented. The pixels 202A and 202B have light sensingregions that are separated and isolated from each other by an isolationstructure that prevents carriers from spreading into neighboring pixels,which would generate noise known as cross-talk. The substrate 202 has aninitial thickness 205A that ranges from 100 um to 3000 um. In thepresent embodiment, the initial thickness 205A is about 700 um.

An implantation process 210 is performed to the front side 204 of thesubstrate 202 to form doped isolation regions 212 and 216 in pixels 202Aand 202B, respectively. For example, a photoresist layer may bepatterned by a lithography process to define openings for the dopedisolation regions 212 and 216. The implantation process 210 uses adopant that is the same type used to dope the substrate 202. In thepresent embodiment, the implantation process 210 uses boron as a dopantand has an implantation energy ranging from about 100 KeV to about 1200KeV, preferably between about 400 KeV and about 500 KeV. Theimplantation process 210 in the present embodiment also uses a doselevel ranging from about 3×10¹² atoms/cm² to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm²,preferably between about 3×10¹³ and about 5×10¹³ atoms/cm². In anotherembodiment, the implantation process 210 uses phosphorous as a dopantand has an implantation energy ranging from about 100 KeV to about 2000KeV, preferably between about 600 KeV and about 800 KeV. Theimplantation process 210 also uses a dose level ranging from about3×10¹² atoms/cm² to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm², preferably between about3×10¹³ and 5×10¹³ atoms/cm². The doped isolation regions 212 and 216have widths 213 and 217, respectively, and depths 214 and 218,respectively. The widths 213 and 217 may range from about 0.1 um toabout 0.8 um, and the depths 214 and 218 may range from about 0.5 um toabout 2 um. In the present embodiment, the widths 213 and 217 are about0.4 um, and the depths 214 and 218 are about 1 um. It is understood thatthe specified parameters of the implantation process and dimensions ofthe doped isolation regions are mere examples and that other values maybe implemented.

An implantation process 220 is performed to the front side 204 of thesubstrate 202 to form light sensing regions 222 and 226 of pixels 202Aand 202B, respectively. The implantation process 220 uses a dopant thatis different from the type of dopant used to dope the substrate 202 (andalso different from the dopant used in the implantation process 210). Inthe present embodiment, the implantation process 220 uses phosphorous asa dopant. In another embodiment, the implantation process 220 uses boronas a dopant. The light sensing regions 222 and 226 have widths 223 and227, respectively, and depths 224 and 228, respectively. The widths 223and 227 may range from about 0.5 um to about 5 um, and the depths 224and 228 may range from about 0.2 um to about 1.5 um. In the presentembodiment, the widths 223 and 227 are about 1.35 um, and the depths 224and 228 are about 0.4 um.

The light sensing regions 222 and 226 are formed adjacent to the dopedisolation regions 212 and 216, respectively. In the present embodiment,the light sensing regions 222 and 226 are operable to detect lightradiation. It should be noted that the light sensing regions can bevaried from one another, such as having different junction depths,thicknesses, and so forth. Further, it is understood that although thepixels 202A and 202B are generally illustrated as photodiodes for thesake of example, other pixels types may be implemented including pinnedlayer photodiodes, photogates, reset transistors, source followertransistors, and transfer transistors.

Referring to FIG. 2B, an interconnect structure 230 is formed on thefront side 204 of the substrate 202 prior to thinning the substrate202,. The interconnect structure 230 includes a plurality of patterneddielectric layers and conductive layers that provide interconnections(e.g., wiring) between the various doped features, circuitry, andinput/output of the image sensor device 200. The interconnect structure230 includes an interlayer dielectric (ILD) and a multilayerinterconnect (MLI) structure formed in a configuration such that the ILDseparates and isolates each MLI structure from other MLI structures. TheMLI structure includes contacts, vias and metal lines formed on thesubstrate 202. In one example, the MLI structure may include conductivematerials such as aluminum, aluminum/silicon/copper alloy, titanium,titanium nitride, tungsten, polysilicon, metal silicide, or combinationsthereof, being referred to as aluminum interconnects. Aluminuminterconnects may be formed by a process including physical vapordeposition (or sputtering), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), orcombinations thereof. Other manufacturing techniques to form thealuminum interconnect may include photolithography processing andetching to pattern the conductive materials for vertical connection (viaand contact) and horizontal connection (conductive line). Alternatively,a copper multilayer interconnect may be used to form the metal patterns.The copper interconnect structure may include copper, copper alloy,titanium, titanium nitride, tantalum, tantalum nitride, tungsten,polysilicon, metal silicide, or combinations thereof. The copperinterconnect may be formed by a technique including CVD, sputtering,plating, or other suitable processes.

A buffer layer 240 is formed on the interconnect structure 230. In thepresent embodiment, the buffer layer 240 includes a dielectric materialsuch as silicon oxide. Alternatively, the buffer layer 240 mayoptionally include silicon nitride. The buffer layer 240 is formed byCVD, PVD, or other suitable techniques. The buffer layer 240 isplanarized to form a smooth surface by chemical mechanical polishing(CMP). A carrier substrate 250 is bonded with the buffer layer 240 sothat processing the back side 206 of the substrate 202 can be performed.The carrier substrate 250 is bonded to the semiconductor substrate 202by molecular forces. The carrier substrate 250 may be similar to thesubstrate 202 and includes a silicon material. Alternatively, thecarrier substrate 250 may optionally include a glass substrate. Thecarrier substrate 250 provides protection for the various featuresformed on the front side 204, and also provides mechanical strength andsupport for processing the back side 206 of the substrate 202 asdiscussed below. The buffer layer 240 also provides electrical isolationbetween the semiconductor substrate 202 and the carrier substrate 250.

A process 260 is performed to thin the substrate 202 from the back side206. In the present embodiment, the process 260 includes a grindingprocess, diamond scrubbing process, chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP)process, or other suitable techniques. A substantial amount of substratematerial may be removed from the substrate 202 during the process 260.After process 260 is performed, the substrate 202 has a new thickness205B, which ranges from about 0.5 um to about 20 um. In the presentembodiment, the new thickness 205B is about 2 um. It is understood thatthe particular thicknesses disclosed herein are mere examples and thatother thicknesses may be implemented depending on the type ofapplication and design requirements of the image sensor device 200.

Referring to FIG. 2C, an implantation process 270 is performed to theback side 206 of the substrate 202 to form doped isolation regions 272and 276 in pixels 202A and 202B, respectively. For example, aphotoresist layer may be patterned by a lithography process to defineopenings for the doped isolation regions 272 and 276. The implantationprocess 270 uses a dopant that is the same type of dopant used to formthe doped isolation regions 212 and 276. In the present embodiment, theimplantation process 270 uses boron as a dopant and has an implantationenergy ranging from about 100 KeV to about 1200 KeV, preferably betweenabout 400 KeV to about 500 KeV. The implantation process 270 in thepresent embodiment also uses a dose level ranging from about 3×10¹²atoms/cm² to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm², preferably about 3 to 5×10¹³atoms/cm². In another embodiment, the implantation process 270 usesphosphorous as a dopant and has an implantation energy ranging fromabout 100 KeV to about 2000 KeV, preferably between about 600 KeV toabout 800 KeV. The implantation process 270 also uses a dose levelranging from about 3×10¹² atoms/cm² to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm²,preferably between about 3×10¹³ and 5×10¹³ atoms/cm². The dopedisolation regions 272 and 276 have widths 273 and 277, respectively, anddepths 274 and 278, respectively. The widths 273 and 277 may range fromabout 0.1 um to about 0.8 um, and the depths 274 and 278 may range fromabout 0.5 um to about 2 um. In the present embodiment, the widths 273and 277 are about 0.4 um, and the depths 274 and 278 are about 1 um. Itis understood that the specified parameters of the implantation processand dimensions of the doped isolation regions are mere examples and thatother values may be implemented.

Similar to the doped isolation regions 212 and 216, the doped isolationregions 272 and 276 help isolate pixels 202A and 202B by reducing therisk of carriers from spreading between adjacent pixels. It should benoted that the doped isolation features 272 and 212 are shifted withrespect to each other by a distance 267, and the doped isolationfeatures 216 and 276 are also shifted with respect to each other by adistance 268. It has been observed that the shifted structure of thedoped isolation regions 212 and 272 (and also 216 and 276) offersadvantages in reducing cross-talk. For example, the pixels 202A, 202Bare operable to sense light radiation 255, 257 directed towards the backside 206 of the substrate 202. The light radiation 255, 257 may beprojected towards the pixels 202A, 202B at an angle 256, 258. The angle256, 258 may also be referred to as an optical ray light injection angle(or light injection angle). In a situation where the light injectionangle is close to normal incidence (e.g., straight on), light radiationtraveling into pixels 202A, 202B does not travel to the neighboring oradjacent pixels. Thus, carriers such as electrons or holes excited bythe light radiation (or generated thereby) are mostly collected by theproper pixel 202A, 202B (which is the intended operation). Hencecross-talk between pixels 202A and 202B is not as severe in this case.However, in a situation where the light injection angle 256, 258 startsto deviate from normal incidence (e.g., oblique incidence), lightradiation 255 projected towards the pixel 202A may excite carriers thatspread into the adjacent pixel 202B and are collected by pixel 202B. Ineffect, the pixel 202B detects an improper electrical signalcorresponding to light radiation that is directed towards theneighboring pixel 202A, which degrades the photo responsecharacteristics of the image sensor device 200.

In the present embodiment, the doped isolation regions 212 and 272create a shifted potential barrier between pixels 202A and 202B. Forexample, carriers may be generated in the doped isolation feature 212 asa result of the light radiation 255 being projected towards the pixel202A at a non-90 degree angle. Some of the carriers would have spread topixel 202B which would have led to cross-talk, but instead the carriersare bounced back to the pixel 202A due to the shifted potential barriercreated by the doped isolation regions 212 and 272. Thus, the shifteddoped isolation regions 212 and 272 are effective at preventing carrierspreading between adjacent pixels, particularly when the light radiationprojected towards the pixel has a non-normal incidence light injectionangle. Accordingly, the shifted doped isolation regions of the presentembodiment are advantageous in reducing cross-talk.

The shift distance 267 between the doped isolation regions 212 and 272may be optimized for a specific light injection angle. In this respect,the shift distance 267 is correlated to the light injection angle 256.It should be noted that manufacturing needs may also require differentlight injection angles for different semiconductor devices. Therefore,the shift distance 267 between the doped isolation regions 212 and 272may be varied to accommodate a variety of situations requiring differentlight injection angles. In the present embodiments, a function may beused to describe the correlation between the shift distance 267 and thelight injection angle 256. The shift distance 267 equals tan(lightinjection angle)×(½)×(thickness of substrate after thinning). Forexample, in one embodiment where the thickness 205B of the substrate 202is about 2 um, and the light injection angle 256 is about 30 degrees,the shift distance 267 between the doped isolation features 212 and 272is about tan(30)×(½)×(2 um)=0.57 um. It is understood that the lightinjection angle may vary for various positions in the grid of pixels,and thus the shift distance will vary across the grid of pixels as well.For example, the pixels located closer to the center portion of the gridmay have doped isolation regions that have less shift than those locatedtowards the left side or right side of the grid. Further, the pixels onone side of the grid may have doped isolation regions that are shiftedin a direction opposite than those located on the other side of thegrid. Moreover, some pixels at the center may have doped isolationregions that are not shifted.

Referring to FIG. 2D, in some embodiments, an implantation process 280is optionally performed to the back side 206 of the substrate 202 toform light sensing regions 282 and 286 of pixels 202A and 202B,respectively. The implantation process 280 uses a dopant that is thesame type of dopant used to form the light sensing regions 222 and 226.In the present embodiment, the implantation process 280 uses phosphorousas a dopant. In another embodiment, the implantation process 280 usesboron as a dopant. The doped regions 282 and 286 formed by theimplantation process 280 also have widths 283 and 287, respectively, anddepths 284 and 288, respectively. The widths 283 and 287 may range fromabout 0.5 um to about 5 um, and the depths 284 and 288 may range fromabout 0.5 um to about 2.5 um. In the present embodiment, the widths 283and 287 are about 1.35 um, and the depths 284 and 288 are about 1.5 um.

The light-sensing regions 282 and 286 are formed adjacent to the dopedisolation features 272 and 276, respectively. Similar to light sensingregions 222 and 226, the light sensing regions 282 and 286 are operableto sense light as well. It has been observed that including two lightsensing regions 222 and 282 in the pixel 202A increases the pixels lightsensing efficiency. However, it is understood that only one of the lightsensing regions 222 or 282 is required. The same is true for the pixel202B. Also, it should be noted that the light sensing regions 282 and222 may be shifted with respect to each other by a distance 288, and thelight sensing regions 286 and 226 may also be shifted with respect toeach other by a distance 289. In the present embodiment, the shiftdistance 288 between the light sensing regions 222 and 282 isapproximately equal to the shift distance 267 between the dopedisolation regions 212 and 272, and the shift distance 289 between thelight sensing regions 226 and 286 is approximately equal to the shiftdistance 268 between the doped isolation regions 216 and 276.

Additionally, it should be noted that the exact sequence of forming thevarious doped isolation regions and light sensing regions describedabove is not important. For example, the light sensing region 222 may beformed before or after forming the doped isolation region 212. Further,although the present embodiment disclosed forming two doped isolationfeatures per pixel, multiple isolation features may be formed in thepixel using the same concepts and processing steps discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 2E, a color filter layer is formed over the back side206 of the substrate. The color filter layer can support different colorfilters (e.g., red, green, and blue), and may be positioned such thatthe incident light radiation is directed thereon and there through. Forexample, the color filter layer includes a color filter 290 forfiltering light radiation of a first wavelength to the pixel 202A and acolor filter 292 for filtering light radiation of a second wavelength tothe pixel 202B. The color filter layer 290, 292 may include a dye-based(or pigment based) polymer or resin for filtering a specific wavelengthband. A plurality of micro-lens 295 is formed over the color filters290, 292 for directing light radiation towards the pixels 202A and 202B.The micro-lens 295 may be positioned in various arrangements and havevarious shapes depending on a refractive index of material used for themicro-lens and distance from the sensor surface.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a flowchart of a method 300 forfabricating a front-side illuminated (FSI) image sensor device. Themethod 300 begins with block 310 in which a semiconductor substrate isprovided. The method 300 continues with block 320 in which a firstimplantation process is performed to the substrate to form a first dopedisolation feature, the first implantation process using a first implantenergy. The method 300 continues with block 330 in which a first lightsensing region is formed. The method 300 continues with block 340 inwhich a second implantation process is performed to the substrate toform a second doped isolation feature, the second implantation processusing a second implant energy different from the first implant energy.The first and second doped isolation features are shifted with respectto each other. The method 300 continues with block 350 in which a secondlight sensing region is formed.

Referring to FIG. 4A, an FSI image sensor device 400 includes asubstrate 402 with pixels 402A and 402B. The substrate 402 is similar tothe substrate 202 described above and is doped with either a P-typedopant or an N-type dopant. In this embodiment, the substrate 402 isdoped with a P-type dopant such as boron (e.g., P-type substrate). Inanother embodiment, the substrate 402 is doped with an N-type dopantsuch as phosphorous (e.g., N-type substrate). The pixels 402A and 402Bare operable to sense radiation such as light radiation directed towardsthe front side of the substrate 402. Similar to the pixels 202A and 202Bdescribed previously, the pixels 402A and 402B have sensing regionsoperable to sense light radiation and doped isolation features operableto reduce cross-talk. These light sensing regions and isolation featuresare formed by various processes described below.

An implantation process 410 is performed to the substrate 402 to formdeep doped isolation regions 472 and 476 in pixels 402A and 402B,respectively. For example, a photoresist layer may be patterned by alithography process to define openings for the deep doped isolationregions 472 and 476. The implantation process 410 uses a dopant that isa same type of dopant used to dope the substrate 402. The dopedisolation regions 472 and 476 are operable to reduce carrier spreadingbetween adjacent pixels 402A and 402B. In the present embodiment, thedeep implantation process 410 uses boron as a dopant and has animplantation energy ranging from about 400 KeV to about 3000 KeV. Theimplantation process 410 uses a dose level ranging from about 3×10¹²atoms/cm² to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm², preferably between about 3×10¹³ andabout 5×10¹³ atoms/cm². In an alternative embodiment, the implantationprocess 410 uses phosphorous as a dopant and has an implantation energyranging from about 600 KeV to about 5000 KeV. The implantation process410 in the alternative embodiment also uses a dose level ranging fromabout 3×10¹² atoms/cm² to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm², preferably betweenabout 3×10¹³ and about 5×10¹³ atoms/cm². The doped isolation regions 472and 476 have widths 473 and 477, respectively, and depths 474 and 478,respectively. The widths 473 and 477 may range from about 0.1 um toabout 0.8 um, and the depths 474 and 478 may range from about 0.5 um toabout 2 um. In the present embodiment, the widths 473 and 477 are about0.4 um, and the depths 474 and 478 are about 1 um. It is understood thatthe specified parameters of the implantation process and dimensions ofthe doped isolation regions are mere examples and that other values maybe implemented.

An implantation process 420 is performed to the substrate 402 to lightsensing regions 482 and 486 of pixels 402A and 402B, respectively. Theimplantation process 480 uses a dopant that is different from the typeof dopant used to dope the substrate 202 (and hence different from thedopant used in the implantation process 410). In the present embodiment,the deep implantation process 420 uses phosphorous as a dopant. Inanother embodiment, the deep implantation process 420 uses boron as adopant. The light sensing regions 482 and 486 have widths 483 and 487,respectively, and depths 484 and 488, respectively. The widths 483 and487 may range from about 0.5 um to about 5 um, and the depths 484 and488 may range from about 0.5 um to about 2.5 um. In the presentembodiment, the widths 483 and 487 are about 1.35 um, and the depths 484and 488 are about 1.5 um. The light sensing regions 482 and 486 areformed adjacent to the doped isolation regions 472 and 476,respectively.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an implantation process 415 is performed to thesubstrate 402 to form doped isolation regions 412 and 416 in pixels 402Aand 402B, respectively. The implantation process 415 uses a dopant thatis the same type of dopant used to dope the substrate 202. In thepresent embodiment, the implantation process 415 uses boron as a dopantand has an implantation energy ranging from about 100 KeV to about 1200KeV, preferably between about 400 KeV to about 500 KeV. The implantationprocess 415 in the present embodiment also uses a dose level rangingfrom about 3×10¹² atoms/cm² to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm², preferablybetween about 3×10¹³ and about 5×10¹³ atoms/cm². In an alternativeembodiment, the implantation process 415 uses phosphorous as a dopantand has an implantation energy ranging from about 100 KeV to about 2000KeV, preferably between about 600 KeV to about 800 KeV. The implantationprocess 415 also uses a dose level ranging from about 3×10¹² atoms/cm²to about 3×10¹⁴ atoms/cm², preferably between about 3×10¹³ and about5×10¹³ atoms/cm². The doped isolation regions 412 and 416 have widths413 and 417, respectively, and depths 414 and 418, respectively. Thewidths 413 and 417 may range from about 0.1 um to about 0.8 um, and thedepths 414 and 418 may range from about 0.5 um to about 2 um. In thepresent embodiment, the widths 413 and 417 are about 0.4 um, and thedepths 414 and 418 are about 1 um. It is understood that the specifiedparameters of the implantation process and dimensions of the dopedisolation regions are mere examples and that other values may beimplemented.

An implantation process 425 is performed to the substrate 402 to formlight sensing regions 422 and 426 of pixels 402A and 402B, respectively.The implantation process 425 uses a dopant that is different from thetype of dopant used to dope the substrate 402 (and hence different fromthe dopant used in the implantation process 415). In the presentembodiment, the implantation process 425 uses phosphorous as a dopant.In another embodiment, the implantation process 425 uses boron as adopant. The light sensing regions 422 and 426 have widths 423 and 427,respectively, and depths 424 and 428, respectively. The widths 423 and427 may range from about 0.5 um to about 5 um, and the depths 424 and428 may range from about 0.2 um to about 1.5 um. In the presentembodiment, the widths 423 and 427 are about 1.35 um, and the depths 424and 428 are about 0.4 um.

It should be noted that the light sensing regions can be varied from oneanother, such as having different junction depths, thicknesses, and soforth. Further, it is understood that although the pixels 402A and 402Bare generally illustrated as photodiodes for the sake of example, otherpixels types may be implemented including pinned layer photodiodes,photogates, reset transistors, source follower transistors, and transfertransistors. It has been observed that having two light sensing regions422 and 482 in the same pixel 402A increases the pixel's light sensingefficiency, but only one of the light sensing regions 422 or 482 isrequired. The same is true for pixel 402B.

In the present embodiment, the doped isolation features 412 and 472 areshifted with respect to each other by a shift distance 489. The lightsensing regions 422 and 482 are also shifted with respect to each otherby the shift distance 489. The shifted structure of the doped isolationfeatures 412 and 472 are effective at reducing cross-talk for the samereasons as discussed above in the image sensor device 200 of FIG. 2.Also, the shift distance 489 between the doped isolation features 412and 472 may be varied depending on a light injection angle 456 as well.The shift distance 489 is correlated to the light injection angle 456,and the correlation may be expressed by a function. In the presentembodiment, the shift distance 489 equals to tan(light injectionangle)×(depth of doped isolation feature). It is understood that thelight injection angle may vary for various positions in the grid ofpixels, and thus the shift distance will vary across the grid of pixelsas well. For example, the pixels located closer to the center portion ofthe grid may have doped isolation regions that have less shift thanthose located towards the left side or right side of the grid. Further,the pixels on one side of the grid may have doped isolation regions thatare shifted in a direction opposite than those located on the other sideof the grid. Moreover, some pixels at the center may have dopedisolation regions that are not shifted.

In comparison with the BSI embodiment described in method 100, it may beobserved that the FSI embodiment described in method 300 does notinvolve bonding the substrate with a carrier substrate or thinning downthe substrate. However, the FSI embodiment involves implanting ions inthe same side of the substrate but at different locations and usingdifferent implantation energies to form the shifted doped isolationfeatures 412 and 472 (also 416 and 476), and the shifted light sensingregions 422 and 282 (also 426 and 486).

Referring to FIG. 4C, the method 300 may also continue with additionalprocessing. For example, an interconnect structure 430 similar to theinterconnect structure 230 of FIG. 2 may be formed on the substrate 402.In addition, color filters 490 and 492 (similar to color filters 290 and292 of FIG. 2) and micro-lens 495 (similar to micro-lens 295 of FIG. 2)may be formed over the interconnect structure 430.

Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is another embodiment of a BSI imagesensor device 500. The image sensor device 500 is similar to the imagesensor device 200 of FIG. 2 except for the differences discussed below.Accordingly, similar features in FIGS. 2 and 5 are numbered the same forthe sake of simplicity and clarity. The image sensor device 500 utilizesshifted trench isolation structures instead of shifted doped isolationregions. Thus, the shifted trench isolation structures are operableisolate and reduce cross-talk between adjacent pixels. In the presentembodiment, the image sensor device 500 includes a substrate 202 havinga front side 204 and a back side 206. The light sensing regions 222,226, 282, and 286 may be formed using similar processes as described inthe method 100 of FIG. 1 or the method 300 of FIG. 3. The isolationstructures 512 and 516 are formed by patterning a photoresist layer onthe front side 204 to define openings and etching, such as dry etching,the substrate 202 from the front side to form trenches. The trenches arethen filled with a dielectric material such as silicon oxide or siliconnitride to form the isolation structures 512 and 516. The isolationstructures 512, 516 have a width ranging from about 0.1 um to about 0.8um, and a depth ranging from about 0.5 um to about 2 um. In the presentembodiment, the width is about 0.4 um, and the depth is about 1 um. Itis understood that the specified dimensions of the trench isolationstructures are mere examples and that other values may be implemented.

The substrate 202 may be bonded to a carrier substrate in a processsimilar to the process 260 of FIG. 2. The substrate 202 may also bethinned from the back side 206 of the substrate 202 to have athinned-down thickness 505. In the present embodiment, the thickness 505is about 2 um. The isolation structures 572 and 576 are formed bypatterning a photoresist layer on the back side 206 to define openingsand etching, such as dry etching, the substrate 202 from the back sideto form trenches. The trenches are then filled with a dielectricmaterial such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride to form isolationstructures 572 and 576. The isolation structures 572, 576 have a widthranging from about 0.1 um to about 0.8 um, and a depth ranging fromabout 0.5 um to about 2 um. In the present embodiment, the width isabout 0.4 um, and the depth is about 1 um. It is understood that thespecified dimensions of the trench isolation structures are mereexamples and that other values may be implemented.

In the present embodiment, the isolation features 512 and 572 areshifted with respect to each other by a distance 589. As is the case forthe BSI embodiment described above in FIG. 2, the shift distance 589 iscorrelated to a light injection angle as well. The correlation betweenthe shift distance 589 and the light injection angle may be expressed bya similar function as was discussed in FIG. 2. In the presentembodiment, the shift distance 589 equals to tan(light injectionangle)×(½)×(thickness of substrate after thinning). It is understoodthat the light injection angle may vary for various positions in thegrid of pixels, and thus the shift distance will vary across the grid ofpixels as well. For example, the pixels located closer to the centerportion of the grid may have doped isolation regions that have lessshift than those located towards the left side or right side of thegrid. Further, the pixels on one side of the grid may have dopedisolation regions that are shifted in a direction opposite than thoselocated on the other side of the grid. Moreover, some pixels at thecenter may have doped isolation regions that are not shifted.

Additional processing may be performed on the image sensor device 500.For example, an interconnect structure 230 may be formed on the frontside 204 of the substrate 202. A buffer layer 240 may be formed on theinterconnect structure 230, and a carrier substrate 250 may be bonded tothe front side 204 of the substrate 202 with the buffer layer 240. Colorfilters 290 and 292 and micro-lenses 295 may also be formed on the backside 206 of the substrate 202.

In summary, the methods and devices disclosed herein provide aneffective and efficient approach for reducing cross-talk in an imagesensor device The methods and devices disclosed herein take advantage offorming isolation features that are shifted with respect to each otherto prevent carrier spreading between adjacent pixels. The amount andshift and direction of the shift may be correlated to the position ofthe pixel on the grid and injection angel of the light radiation. Insome embodiments, the isolation features are doped isolation regions. Inanother embodiment, the isolation features are trenches etched in thesubstrate and filled with a dielectric material. In doing so, thepresent embodiment offers several advantages over prior art devices, itbeing understood that different embodiments may have differentadvantages. An advantage of the present embodiment is that the shiftedstructure of the isolation features is effective at reducing cross-talkwhen light sensed by a pixel has a light injection angle that is notnormal incidence. The shifted isolation features create a shiftedpotential barrier that bounces back carriers excited by the lightradiation, so that the carriers do not spread into an adjacent pixel togenerate improper electrical signals which would lead to cross-talk.Another advantage of the present embodiment is that having more than onelight sensing region that are shifted with respect to each other in onepixel leads to greater light sensing efficiency. Furthermore, the stepsoutlined are compatible with a CMOS processing flow.

The present disclosure describes a method for fabricating an imagesensing semiconductor device, including, providing a semiconductorsubstrate having a front side and a back side, forming a first isolationstructure at the front side of the semiconductor substrate, thinning thesemiconductor substrate from the back side, and forming a secondisolation structure at the back side of the semiconductor substrate. Thefirst and second isolation structures are shifted with respect to eachother.

The present disclosure also describes a method for fabricating an imagesensing semiconductor device, including, providing a semiconductorsubstrate, performing a first implantation process to the substrate toform a first doped isolation feature, the first implantation processusing a first implant energy, performing a second implantation processto the substrate to form a second doped isolation feature, the secondimplantation process using a second implant energy different from thefirst implant energy, and forming first and second light sensingelements in the substrate. The first and second doped isolation featuresare disposed between the first light sensing element and the secondlight sensing element. The first and second doped isolation features areshifted with respect to each other.

The present disclosure also describes an image sensing semiconductordevice, including, a substrate having a front side, a back side, and athickness, a first isolation structure extending from the front side ofthe substrate, a second isolation structure extending from the back sideof the substrate, and first and second light sensing elements formed inthe substrate. The first and second isolation structures are disposedbetween the first light sensing element and the second light sensingelement. The first and second isolation structures are shifted withrespect to each other.

The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the detailed description thatfollows. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. An image sensor device, comprising: a substratehaving a front side, a back side, and a thickness; a first isolationstructure extending from the front side of the substrate; a secondisolation structure extending from the back side of the substrate; andfirst and second light sensing elements formed in the substrate; whereinthe first and second isolation structures are disposed between the firstlight sensing element and the second light sensing element, and whereinthe first and second isolation structures are shifted with respect toeach other.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein a light radiation isprojected to the image sensor device at a light injection angle, andwherein the first and second isolation structures are shifted by adistance correlated to the light injection angle.
 17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the distance is approximately equal to tan(the lightinjection angle)×(½)×(the thickness of the substrate).
 18. The device ofclaim 15, wherein the first and second isolation structures includefirst and second doped isolation structures, respectively.
 19. Thedevice of claim 15, wherein the first and second isolation structuresinclude first and second trenches, respectively, filled with adielectric material.
 20. The device of claim 15, further comprising: acolor filter layer formed over the back side of the substrate; and amicro lens layer formed over the color filter layer; wherein the firstand second light sensing elements are operable to sense light radiationdirected towards the back side of the substrate.
 21. An image sensordevice, comprising: a semiconductor substrate having a front side, aback side, and a thickness; a first isolation structure disposed at thefront side of the semiconductor substrate; a second isolation structuredisposed at the back side of the semiconductor substrate; and aplurality of pixels disposed within the semiconductor substrate; whereinthe first and second isolation structures are disposed between adjacentpixels and shifted with respect to each other.
 22. The image sensordevice of claim 21, wherein one of the adjacent pixels includes a firstlight sensing region disposed at the front side of the semiconductorsubstrate and adjacent the first isolation structure.
 23. The imagesensor device of claim 22, wherein the one of the adjacent pixelsfurther includes a second light sensing region disposed at the back sideof the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the second isolationstructure.
 24. The image sensor device of claim 21, wherein the firstisolation structure and the second isolation structure are shifted by adistance correlated to a light injection angle, and wherein the lightinjection angle is an angle at which a radiation wave to be sensed isprojected toward the image sensor device.
 25. The image sensor device ofclaim 24, wherein the distance is approximately equal to tan(the lightinjection angle)×(½)×(the thickness of the semiconductor substrate). 26.The image sensor device of claim 21, wherein: the first isolationstructure includes a first dielectric trench extending from the frontside of the semiconductor substrate; and the second isolation structureincludes a second dielectric trench extending from the back side of thesemiconductor substrate.
 27. The image sensor device of claim 21,wherein the first and second isolation structures are each doped withboron.
 28. The image sensor device of claim 21, wherein the first andsecond isolation structures are each doped with phosphorous.
 29. Theimage sensor device of claim 21, further comprising a carrier substratethat is bonded to the front side of the semiconductor substrate.
 30. Animage sensor device, comprising: a semiconductor substrate having afront side and a back side; a first doped isolation feature disposed inthe front side of the semiconductor substrate, the first doped isolationfeature extending from the front side toward the back side; a seconddoped isolation feature disposed in the back side of the semiconductorsubstrate, the second doped isolation feature extending from the backside toward the front side; and first and second light sensing elementsin the substrate; wherein the first and second doped isolation featuresare disposed between the first light sensing element and the secondlight sensing element, and wherein the first and second doped isolationfeatures are shifted with respect to each other.
 31. The image sensordevice of claim 30, wherein the first doped isolation feature has afirst depth measured in a direction perpendicular to the front side ofthe semiconductor substrate, and wherein the second doped isolationfeature has a second depth measured in a direction perpendicular to theback side of the semiconductor substrate, and wherein the first andsecond depths are each in a range from about 0.5 um to about 2 um. 32.The image sensor device of claim 30, wherein the first and second dopedisolation features are shifted by a distance correlated to a lightinjection angle, and wherein the light injection angle is an angle atwhich light to be sensed is projected toward the image sensor device.33. The image sensor device of claim 30, wherein the first and seconddoped isolation features are each doped with boron.
 34. The image sensordevice of claim 30, wherein the first and second doped isolationfeatures are each doped with phosphorous.